• Home
  • Blog
  • Categories
    • Subjects
    • Organize & Manage
    • Thematic & Seasonal
  • Freebies
  • Store
  • FAQ/Contact
Traci Clausen - Engaging TeachingTraci Clausen - Engaging Teaching
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Categories
    • Subjects
    • Organize & Manage
    • Thematic & Seasonal
  • Freebies
  • Store
  • FAQ/Contact

Interrupter Stopper… BRIGHT IDEA!

Home » Interrupter Stopper… BRIGHT IDEA!
Interrupter Stopper… BRIGHT IDEA!

Interrupter Stopper… BRIGHT IDEA!


I have an easy-peasy BRIGHT IDEA for you today.

During those times when you are trying to work with a student one-to-one, particularly assessment time, it can be very difficult to keep the rest of the kiddos, who are working independently, from coming up and interrupting. Especially if you have 30 kiddos like me!

This can be very frustrating when you are doing reading assessments. It not only affects the attention and concentration of the child with whom you are working, it also impacts their ability to have quality comprehension.

We have the “ask 3 before me” rule in class. This is where the kids must check with 3 “friends” prior to coming to me to find out the answer to the question they are desperate to ask. Most questions they have were covered in the lesson prior to assigning the independent work they are working on, so one of those 3 kiddos should be able to help.

But as we all know, that doesn’t always work. Far too often the kiddos start lining up to ask questions and interrupt.

So, in my class we go on vacation. Just my one-on-one friend and I.

No. Not that kind of vacation.
We go on vacation to the “Light Bulb Lab”. If you are familiar with Kevin Henkes and Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, you probably remember the light bulb lab. It’s where great minds go to think and create. Or in our 1:1 case… concentrate!
It’s just a table.
With a sign above it.
While sitting there, reading and assessing and whatever else, we wear leis. 
I have several for the kiddos to pick from. 
They choose one, I choose one, we put them on and “poof” we are on vacation. 
People cannot be bothered while they are on vacation. Right?
This little visual reminder helps tremendously – in two ways.
It keeps the kiddos from interrupting. The rest of the class will literally whisper (too loudly) “You can’t go over there! They are on vacation!” 
It makes the kiddo working with me one-on-one stay focused while feeling special and happy. Special and happy is GOOD!
Of course it makes them happy! People are HAPPY on vacation!
Another plus? They add some colorful, pretty decor to the room when they are not in use! I have them hanging from a magnetic clip stuck to my window frame.
One of the best places I’ve found for leis is Party City. They usually have a great variety and are pretty inexpensive. Lots of times I find them at Dollar Tree and the 99 cent store, too. 
So there you have it – stop the interrupting by creating a peaceful “vacationy-fun” atmosphere. Like I said, easy-peasy!
Thanks so much for visiting during this blog hop! 
There are so many more bright ideas! 
Now it’s time to hop on over to Mrs. Plant’s Press to check out Vicki’s bright idea for displaying student work. 

See the link list below for specific *BRIGHT IDEAS*!
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday peeps!

document.write(”);

document.write(”);

You might also be interested in . . .

Share

19 Comments

Leave your reply.
  • Sydney C
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 1:03 PM

    So cute. When my students interrupt me constantly they go to an "island" – separate desk. But I love this vacation idea for 1:1 help. I have the 3 before me but they still forget. Oh, those 2nd graders! I'm going to have to go "on vacation" – super cute.
    Lessons Learned

  • Natalie
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 3:20 PM

    Ugh my kiddos are the worst about that! Definitely going to give this a try!

    Natalie
    Teachery Tidbits

  • Corinna
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 3:22 PM

    Oh my gosh! How cute is that! I can see your kids whispering "their on vacation!" What a fun and effective idea Traci. Mahalo!

    Aloha,
    Corinna

  • Gladys
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 3:44 PM

    Love this idea! Perfect for those littles that need that visual. 🙂

  • Katie Knight
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 3:49 PM

    Oh my gosh! I am going to be taking kids on vacation!!!! SMART TRACI! So SMART!
    XOXO,
    Katie
    Teacher to the Core

  • Julie
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 5:06 PM

    What a fun idea! So useful!

  • Laura
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 5:34 PM

    I love this idea, Traci! We need to go on vacation in my room!! Thanks so much for sharing such a great idea!
    Laura
    Peace, Love, and First Grade

  • Oceans of First Grade Fun
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 5:48 PM

    I love this idea!!

  • Miss Kindergarten
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 6:21 PM

    Love it!!!

  • Fluttering Through First Grade
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 6:42 PM

    We want to go on vacation! Love it!
    Christy & Tammy

  • Lesson Plan Diva-Teaching Resources
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 7:06 PM

    Love your tips! I use the 3 before me system also!

  • Deb Thomas
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 7:28 PM

    I love this idea and I will have to start using it as soon as I can get to a Dollar Tree. I have a "Be Kind and Rewind" sign I hold up but they come to the table anyway. This is fresh and new and I love it!

  • Lori
    · Reply

    February 2, 2014 at 7:47 PM

    So cute! I can see how this would make the kiddo being assessed feel special. Great ideas!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

  • Lori Rosenberg
    · Reply

    February 3, 2014 at 12:14 AM

    Oh, I wanna go on vacation too! What a cute gimmick!
    Lori
    Teaching With Love and Laughter
    [email protected]

  • Kinderkay
    · Reply

    February 3, 2014 at 1:56 AM

    Cute, cute idea!! I am on my way to the Party Store this week!

    Thanks for sharing this idea!

    Cindy

  • Lauren Bell
    · Reply

    February 3, 2014 at 3:33 AM

    Such a fabulous and CUTE idea. We do 3 before me but this vacation concept is CLUTCH! Thanks!

  • Tanya
    · Reply

    February 5, 2014 at 4:48 AM

    I'm in on this! Love it! Was wondering if you have a download for The Lightbulb Lab sign? I can't wait to get mine going! Leis are ready…..
    [email protected]

  • Marissa Tompkins
    · Reply

    February 5, 2014 at 5:04 AM

    Such a cute idea! I need to go on a "vacation"! I'm always interrupted within minutes of starting one on one time. Definitely going to try this. Thanks for sharing!
    -Marissa

    WILD About First Grade!

  • Barbara
    · Reply

    February 13, 2014 at 3:46 AM

    Very cute idea, Traci. I really like it!
    Grade ONEderful
    Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

I’m passionate about helping teachers find their joy, develop efficiency and ignite their own teaching strengths. I’m so happy you’re here!

 

Recent Posts

  • Grammar Boost
  • Word Work Activities Extravaganza!
  • Kindergarten Literacy Activities
  • Phonics & Sight Word Practice with Chunky Monkey
  • The Most Important Reading & Writing Strategies

TRENDING ON TPT

AFFILIATES

Educational & Teacher Supplies

SitSpots Logo

Daily Boutique Deals


Cricut Logo

Stay in Touch!

Exclusive Planner Help Videos
 
Contact & FAQ

 

Hi! I’m Traci and I’m super glad you’re here. I’m passionate about sharing all the *wisdom* gained over my many years of teaching. I love helping teachers find their joy, develop efficiency and ignite their own teaching strengths. I believe simplicity and fun coupled with effective strategies and engaging and focused lessons are the key to it all. Also… laughter can carry you through just about all things.

Check out my classroom FAV’s on AMAZON!

 

Traci Clausen, Inc. (Traci Clausen – Engaging Teaching) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

© 2021 · Traci Clausen - Engaging Teaching

Prev Next